Monsoon performance overview
Northeast Monsoon 2025 in Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu experienced a normal Northeast Monsoon during October–December 2025, despite forecasts indicating above-normal rainfall. The State recorded 42.7 cm of rainfall, marginally lower than the seasonal average of 43.8 cm, reflecting a 3% deficit. This still falls within the normal range as per official meteorological standards.
Static GK fact: The Northeast Monsoon contributes nearly 48% of Tamil Nadu’s annual rainfall, making it the State’s primary rainfall season.
The six-year streak of normal or surplus rainfall, which began in 2019, is likely to end this year. December 31 is officially considered the end of the Northeast Monsoon, although rainfall has extended into January in earlier years.
Agricultural coverage and crop performance
The Samba–Thaladi–Pishanam cultivation season progressed smoothly in 2025. Paddy coverage almost met the target, achieving 33.8 lakh acres against a planned 33.9 lakh acres. Of this, nearly 13 lakh acres were cultivated in the Cauvery delta, with the remaining area spread across other districts.
The five-year average paddy coverage stands at 34.8 lakh acres, indicating that 2025 was slightly below recent trends. However, the marginal shortfall did not affect overall productivity.
Static GK fact: Tamil Nadu is among the top rice-producing states in India, with the Cauvery delta historically known as the “rice bowl” of the State.
Role of rainfall distribution
One of the major enabling factors for stable cultivation was continuous water availability. The State received 58 cm of rainfall between March and September, providing strong soil moisture ahead of the monsoon. Summer rainfall was particularly significant, with 25 cm recorded during March–April, almost double the normal level.
During the Southwest Monsoon, rainfall stood at 33 cm, matching expectations. Although the Northeast Monsoon yielded 43 cm against an anticipated 44 cm, groundwater levels remained comfortable across most regions.
District-wise and atmospheric factors
Only four districts—Tirunelveli, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, and Ranipet—received excess rainfall. Despite this uneven spatial distribution, one more year of Cauvery water surplus ensured uninterrupted cultivation in the delta districts.
A prolonged dry spell occurred due to the absence of the Madden–Julian Oscillation over the Indian Ocean during November and December. While an Equatorial Rossby wave supported rainfall linked to Cyclone Ditwah in early December, it was insufficient to trigger widespread precipitation.
Static GK Tip: Large-scale atmospheric oscillations like MJO significantly influence intra-seasonal rainfall variability over India.
Procurement trends and food security
Paddy procurement reached an exceptional 14.8 lakh tonnes during the season, far exceeding the usual 5 lakh tonnes. Over the next eight months, including the lean period, an additional 38 lakh tonnes is expected to be procured.
During 2024–25, the total food grain procurement in the State stood at 48 lakh tonnes, highlighting strong agricultural output despite marginal rainfall deficits.
Urban rainfall pattern
Chennai’s five-year streak of surplus rainfall since 2020 ended in 2025. This marks a shift in urban rainfall trends, even as rural and delta regions remained largely resilient due to water storage and groundwater recharge.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Northeast Monsoon 2025 in Tamil Nadu:
| Topic | Detail |
| Northeast Monsoon rainfall | 42.7 cm recorded, 3% below seasonal average |
| Paddy coverage target | 33.9 lakh acres |
| Actual paddy coverage | 33.8 lakh acres |
| Cauvery delta coverage | Around 13 lakh acres |
| Five-year average coverage | 34.8 lakh acres |
| Summer rainfall | 25 cm during March–April |
| Paddy procurement | 14.8 lakh tonnes in 2025 season |
| Chennai rainfall trend | Surplus streak since 2020 ended |
